With so many things to do in Sardinia, this wild Italian island is a fantastic travel destination all year round, not only in summer.
One of the first things many visitors notice in Sardinia is its hugely diverse landscape, which translates into a fantastic array of colors. All the places to visit in Sardinia have a story to tell, each festival to attend is an old tradition, and each town has its own dishes, language, and costumes. A trip to Sardinia is like a trip to a small continent. Discover here what to do in Sardinia any time of the year and plan the holiday of a lifetime!
Attend at least one of Sardinia’s traditional festivals
A strong part of the local culture and certainly one of the most fascinating things to do in Sardinia beyond the beaches is to attend a traditional festival.
Along with the most famous celebrations such as Oristano’s Sartiglia carnival, the rituals with ancient masks such as the Mamuthones in Mamoiada, the Boes e Merdules in Ottana, and the Mamutzones of Samugheo, and the parade of costumes in Cagliari for Sant’Efisio, there are also plenty of smaller festivals happening across the island all year long.
In spring, in Ghilarza it takes place a celebration for Sant’Isidoro, patron saint of farmers, in July, Sedilo is the venue for a famous horse race in honor of Emperor Constantine, while in August, Nuoro will be busy with parties and parades of traditional costumes, masks, horses, and musical instruments.
See the only place in the world where byssus sea silk is made
Weaving the golden-hued silk of the sea is a thousand-year-old tradition native to ancient Mesopotamia and preserved in Sardinia by the only woman in the world who still does it. Chiara Vigo and her mother and grandmother before she devoted their life to weaving the byssus, a velvety strand secreted by the noble pen shell, a fan-shaped mollusk native from the Mediterranean.
After making the oath to the sea, Chiara cannot sell her work. Although some were estimated to be even 500,000 euros, she donates them to museums, presidents, universities, and even the Pope. Her lab museum in Sant’Antioco, where she works, is one of the places to see in Sardinia that culture travelers will love.
Visit the beautiful Nora archaeological site in south Sardinia
The archaeological area of Nora near Pula in the province of Cagliari shows the ruins of an ancient Punic-Roman city and is one of the very best things to do in Sardinia for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers. In addition to the remains, the imposing columns and the beautiful Roman mosaics, what makes a visit to Nora unforgettable is also the view of the azure sea.
In fact, to get to Nora from Pula or Cagliari, you first pass the beach of the same name, which is stupendous and deserves at least a dip.
You can choose between a guided tour, which lasts an hour, or an independent individual visit which lasts about 30/40 minutes if you follow the route indicated by the numbers on the signs.
If you choose the individual visit, download the Norapp app so you can listen to the explanations of the various areas such as the baths, the Roman Forum dating back between 40 and 20 BC, the oldest settlements of the Phoenician age, the Roman theater and various buildings that from homes or shops.
There are also places of worship including a Roman temple, the Punic place of worship to the goddess of fertility Tanit and also an ancient Christian basilica.
See former Europe’s largest man-made lake
It’s close to the small towns of Ula Tirso, Ghilarza and Zuri. The Omodeo Lake was made between 1918 and 1924 together with Santa Chiara’s dam. When it was built, it was Europe’s largest artificial basin. Today, the old dam is not in use anymore because it was replaced with the new one. Nevertheless, Santa Chiara old dam is not only an extremely interesting and romantic place to visit in Sardinia, but it’s also of high historical value.
Nearby is the village that was made for the locals working in the dam, called Santa Chiara itself. Today only one woman alone lives there, the daughter of one of the families, who decided to stay there after the dam was dismissed and all workers left.
Right on top of the dam, is Sa Cantinedda traditional restaurant. If you want to explore Sardinia’s local flavors and recipes, I assure you, you want to try this delicious eatery.
See the ancient well of Santa Cristina
Located in the province of Oristano near the inhabited centers of Paulilatino, Ghilarza and Abbasanta, the park of the sacred well of Santa Cristina is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Sardinia.
A beautiful open-air museum, here you can visit both the well and the archaeological park around it which includes the Nuragic village and also the Christian village with the typical “muristenes”, small pilgrimage houses where the faithful spend the 9-day pilgrimage.
What you will see here is a sacred well used as a temple in the Nuragic age for the cult of water and it looks extremely well-preserved.
Built about 3500 years ago, it boasts a perfect construction technique that respects a precise calendar. Every September from 21st to 23rd at noon, and every March from 18th to 21st at 11 am, the days of the equinoxes, the sun perfectly illuminates the bottom of the well. While approximately every 18 years, on the occasion of the major lunistice or lunar standstill, the light of the moon reaches the body of water reflecting perpendicularly through the hole in the well.
The site is open all year round from morning to sunset and tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at the entrance.
This is definitely a landmark to include in your Sardinia itinerary if you are a lover of history, architecture, and the mysteries that made researchers compare Sardinia to Atlantis.
Visit the beaches of the Sinis Peninsula
Considered among the best beaches in Sardinia, whether you are a beach-goer or not, you won’t be able to stay too far from such beaches with rice-like sand and the most turquoise waters you have ever seen. From the rocky San Giovanni di Sinis, drive to other gorgeous coastline stretches such as Is Arutas, Mari Ermi and Maimoni, relax and enjoy your swim.
The region is very fascinating and counts several well-kept archaeological sites, so when you are done with your beach time, you can explore the island’s ancient past. Since you are here, don’t forget to tuck into the fantastic recipes the area offers, for which you won’t even need to go too far as in Cabras you will find places like La Peschiera and Da Pinuccia agriturismo serving mouthwatering seafood and fish dishes.
Hop on and off Sardinia’s islands
Sardinia is a large island surrounded by smaller islands both north and south. In the north, some of the places to visit in Sardinia are La Maddalena archipelago, Caprera (where Garibaldi is buried), L’Asinara National Park and Tavolara for its dramatic steep cliffs. Some of the favorite places within La Maddalena archipelago include Budelli pink beach, Giardinelli Island and Spargi.
Heading to southern Sardinia, by all means, visit Sant’Antioco island, the nearby San Pietro and its town Carloforte, the granitic Isola dei Cavoli, and the scenic Pan di Zucchero, a large and 133-meter-tall sea rock in the Iglesias area facing the ancient sea harbor and mine of Porto Flavia.
From north to south, these are some of the best places in Sardinia for boat excursions, immersing in nature, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Be amazed at Sardinia’s sunsets
Sardinia sunsets can be purple. Or fire red. Or silver. Depending on the season and the weather, they are different but always stunning. Definitely one of the best things to see in Sardinia for photographers.
Even if you don’t travel with a camera but only with your sensitivity to beauty, the sunsets in places like S’Archittu sea resort and Sant’Antioco won’t leave you unimpressed. If you are on your honeymoon or need some romance, this is one of the most romantic things to do in Sardinia.
Stroll around Cagliari’s old Castello quarter
Castello quarter, in the old town, is only one of the things to do in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital. The heart of the city, the first settlement and where the wealthy used to live, Castello is a maze of narrow winding alleys.
A formerly fortified stronghold, the residents used to close the gates at the end of the day, when the workers had finished their day and went back to the lower quarters of the city. Such as today’s Marina, once where fishermen lived.
Cagliari is one of the most important places to visit in Sardinia to know about its history and culture, so I suggest you stay for at least a couple of days.
Explore Sardinia’s mining villages
This is part of Sardinia’s contemporary history but truly one fascinating side of the island’s past and vestiges. Head towards Buggerru, where is also the scenic small beach of Cala Domestica bay, and explore the surroundings from Masua, Nebida, and Porto Flavia. Here, you can see the old mining villages, some now ghost towns where miners used to live, and even the dismissed port used to load and unload the charcoal.
From here, head to Carbonia, some 40 km away (25 miles) from Buggerru, where you can’t possibly miss a visit to the old mines.
Listen to the sound of the stones
In very few places stones play such a pivotal role as here. Heart and soul of local culture and traditions, stones are the island’s spine and the king element of all buildings today and in the past. Bronze Age stone towers are scattered all along the territory, and prehistoric funerary monuments, sounding stones, and different minerals cover the island’s history and culture all around.
Go to San Sperate village and visit the museum of the late artist and sculptor Pino Sciola to discover the sound of the stones. Each of his creations will make a different piece of music, the sound of the universe. His museum is one of the most fascinating and best things to do in Sardinia.
Tuck into local delicacies at a food fair
They are called “sagre” and depending on the village, they focus on the different food, dish, or product. Each town in Sardinia has its own culinary traditions, and each season has its own produce. So wherever you go, you will always see a different food fair, where you can sample the foods before buying them. Lots of free tastings.
Some examples are the sagra of the chickpeas and fava beans in Ollastra in January, sagra of the zippola fried pastry in Narbolia in February, in the occasion of the Carnival. Or even the sagra of the citrus fruits in Zerfaliu, still in February.
There are also traditional fairs organized in many villages where locals open their houses, or businesses their doors to outsiders to introduce the local products, old traditions and ancient flavors. Some of these are Prentzas Apertas open oil mills) in Seneghe, one of Sardinia’s prettiest villages, usually in December, or Cortes Apertas in Mamoiada in November, where you can sample local dishes, visit local landmarks and see temporary exhibitions.
Find fairies’ houses and giants’ tombs
You find them scattered all around Sardinia, but some of the best ones I’ve visited are around Mamoiada, in the Barbagia region. Fairies’ houses (domus de janas) and giants’ tombs (tombe dei giganti) are funerary mausoleums dating back some 6-7000 years ago.
These stone buildings are now important archaeological sites that reveal much of Sardinia’s ancient Nuragic civilization. Whether you are a history buff or a curious traveler, this is one of the top Sardinia sights you can’t miss.
Eat (and sleep) at an agriturismo
This is a countryside restaurant where usually everything is made in-house. The managers have their own cattle, grow their own fruits, veggies and herbs and produce their own cheese. Often also bread and honey. Obviously, inside the Agriturismo, there is also the restaurant where they prepare the dishes with their own genuine ingredients. The perfect example of an Italian locally sourced, “km 0” way of eating.
An agriturismo I always go to when I’m in Sardinia is Archelao, close to Oristano. Their food is delicious. They have spacious rooms and bungalows so you can also sleep over or directly book your stay here. It’s really a haven of peace and silence. And close to the Sinis peninsula and gorgeous beaches.
Dip in ancient Roman thermal baths
In the tiny hamlet of Fordongianus is one of the best places in Sardinia for
Today we can visit the ancient spa archaeological site and dip in the waters in front of the entrance. You can also book a steam room for half an hour close to the site or a full package at Grand Hotel Terme. This is a luxury hotel equipped with a modern wellness center. Perfect for pampering wellness Sardinia holidays.
Speak Catalan in Alghero
The walled city of Alghero in the north is one of the most popular places to see in Sardinia. With the many influences from Catalan domination, Alghero is a fantastic city break in Sardinia. You will spot the Catalan style in the architecture of the old town, in the dishes and in the language.
If you have time, visit also the surroundings Anghelu Ruju ancient necropolis and Santu Perdu domus de janas (fairies’ houses).
One of the pearls of local tourism, Alghero is a must-see in your Sardinia trip.
Gape at the small horses of the Giara plateau
In Parco
You can’t feed them, touch them or bring any change to their habitat. They are spectacular and make a trip to this off-the-beaten-path place in Sardinia totally worth it.
Stroll around the village of bandits and street art
The walls of most houses of Orgosolo, in Barbagia, Nuoro province, are painted with political murals. The street art in Orgosolo is pretty left-wing and covers many topics. From the Italian unification to the Palestinian struggle, the major events of domestic and foreign policy found their spot on the walls of fame in Orgosolo. Definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Sardinia.
Admire Sardinia’s street art
The most famous street art in Sardinia might be the one in Orgosolo, but it’s far from being the only one. You can see many murals exploring the towns and cities of Sardinia. Some of the most beautiful street art in Sardinia is in the town of Tinnura in Oristano province, but you will see some great ones also in San Sperate, in the tiny village of Boroneddu, in Riola, and in Sedilo, also in the province of Oristano.
Go down Italy’s deepest canyon
It’s in the Barbagia region, close to Dorgali, Orgosolo and Urzulei. Tours open when the weather allows, I suggest hiking Su Gorropu in spring when the temperature in Sardinia is ideal. And possibly when it’s not raining.
The descent to one of Europe’s deepest canyons is an adventure. For me, it was even harder than climbing back up. There is more than one trail, each with a different difficulty level. If you are an experienced hiker, you won’t have problems. If you are out of training, you might pick the easier routes. Whichever you choose, going down Su Gorropu gorge is one of the coolest Sardinia activities.
Track the Knights Templar in Sardinia
From Santu Lussurgiu to Dorgali, there are many places in Sardinia reminiscent of the Knights Templar presence. After this religious chivalry order was banned and its members persecuted, many tried to hide wherever they could. Some arrived in Sardinia, where they started to establish hospitals.
Tracking the Order of Hospitallers, a branch of the Knights of Malta, is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Sardinia. Especially for history lovers.
Close to Santu Lussurgiu, Oristano province, visit the Templar church of San Leonardo. While in Dorgali, see the ruins of one of their hospitals right in the city center.
Attend Sardinia’s most reckless horse race
Every July 6th and 7th, one of the most reckless horse races you’ll ever see takes place in central Sardinia. The town is Sedilo and the race is known as S’Ardia. Some 80 riders engage in this race. It shows the strong faith the townspeople have in Emperor Constantine the Great. The race represents the battle where he defeated Maxentius in 312 AD during the battle of the Milvian Bridge.
This is a big, heartfelt festival. After the race, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere, open markets, concerts, the dodgem cars and rivers of beer.
Eat fish in Cabras
In my opinion, this is the best town in Sardinia to eat fish. Close to a large pond connected to the sea, here is where every day Cabras fishermen catch the freshest fish. Fish lovers can’t miss restaurants like La Peschiera and agriturismo like Da Pinuccia. They serve truly delicious gourmet fish and seafood dishes.
If you want to explore Sardinian cuisine, don’t miss out on the “bottarga” in Cabras. It’s dried fish eggs, usually mullet. It’s used in many ways, grated to season your pasta or in pieces on bread with butter. Or absolutely delicious in a salad with artichokes. You will find it all over the island, but my very favorite place for this is Cabras.
Find the largest tower on Sardinia’s coast
Wondering where to go in Sardinia to see some more? Head to Oristano and visit the largest tower on Sardinia’s coastline.
Located on the Oristano beach aptly named Torregrande, “big tower”, it’s a perfect starting point for a nice walk along the large and sandy shores. Torregrande is also dotted with bars and restaurants. Locals love to go there on the weekend to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner.
Visit one of Italy’s most beautiful towns
It’s one of the Sardinian places to visit and has been named one of Italy’s most picturesque towns. Bosa is a fishing village that stands out for its colorful houses. Located on Sardinia’s western coast, don’t miss its winding alleys, the big Malaspina Castle and the Aragonese tower. If you are traveling to Sardinia in summer, visit Bosa Marina, the beach resort of Bosa. It includes a beautiful beach and a wonderful natural pool.
Follow Oristano’s Sa Sartiglia for Carnival
Attending Oristano’s Sartiglia is one of the things to do in Sardinia in winter, usually around February or March. The days of the Carnival are Mardi Gras and the previous Sunday. And this is when you can see the show.
First up is a series of horse riders running and aiming at the Star, a folkloric symbol, with their sword. Whenever a rider catches the star, it’s a good sign. The afternoon ends with a series of acrobatic horse racing. The horses run in formations of two or three and the riders engage in reckless acrobatics at a crazy speed. This is one of the best Carnivals in Italy and really what to do in Sardinia if you are there around that time.
See the Mamuthones dancing around the fire
The origins of Mamuthones ugly masks are lost in the mists of time. Probably the embodiment of natives’ ancient spirits, for 2000 years in Mamoiada, a quaint hamlet in the Barbagia region, locals have been reproducing this propitiatory ritual in order for our ancestors’ spirits to intercede with pagan divinities for a good harvest at the end of the cold season when Nature was the only source of life.
Their first annual appearance is on January 17th on the occasion of Saint Anthony’s festival. Since the main celebration during this feast is lighting bonfires in many squares of the town, the Mamuthones perform their ritual around them. Needless to say, the sight of these weird creatures dancing in the dark around the fire is utterly beguiling and one of the best things to see in Sardinia.
Eat Tonara’s torrone
You might have tried nougat in many countries in Europe, but I assure you, it’s nowhere like Tonara’s torrone. Made with either sugar or honey, it’s a delicacy. Torrone entirely made with honey and almonds or walnuts is also a healthy snack, sweet or dessert.
In Tonara, it is still made in the traditional way. You will find it for sale in the many festivals happening all year long in Sardinia. But obviously, if you go to the very Tonara town, you will also be able to see where this sweet treat is made.
Visit at least one nuraghe
These Bronze-age castles are everywhere on the island, so really it’s not hard to find one. There are more than 7000 from north to south. But there are some that are particularly worth visiting as part of the whole prehistoric village. Research around these stone buildings is still ongoing. Some say they were sanctuaries, some defensive towers. They all agree they were central to daily life in the
Some interesting places to visit in Sardinia are the Nuraghic villages of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, Nuraghe Arrubiu in Orroli, and Santu Antine in Torralba. A smaller complex but also very interesting is Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta.
Find the Giants of Mount Prama
We are still in the prehistoric age. Even though I’m used to seeing the nuraghi, I got emotional at the sight of the Giants of Mount Prama. This is why I think they are one of the coolest things to see in Sardinia any time, any season.
These tall ancient statues were found in Monte Prama almost by chance and the archaeological excavations lasted for decades. Archaeologists think they are part of a funerary complex belonging to an important clan during the early Iron Age.
Now, while the diggings continue, they keep these statues in Cabras’ Civic Museum. Probably in the hope, one day, to bring them all back to their original settings by opening there an archaeological site. I think there is a specimen also in the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari.
Pamper yourself at one of the best resorts in Sardinia
Is a relaxing and pampering holiday all you really need? Book one of the many Sardinia beach resorts and get the holiday you deserve.
Some of the most popular Sardinia resorts are Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna open only from April to October in Villasimius (one of the best beaches in Sardinia) near Cagliari, Forte Village Resort in Santa Margherita di Pula and Hotel Aquadulci a Chia.
Watch the pink flamingos
This is a bit seasonal. It’s one of the things to do in Sardinia in May/June as it’s the best period to admire these wonderful creatures. Humid and quiet areas are the best places in Sardinia to see groups of pink flamingos.
Watch them from Parco Molentargius and Stagno di Santa Gilla in Cagliari. Or the wetlands in Cabras and Santa Giusta near Oristano. While in Nuoro province, try Sa Curcurica in Orosei.
Drink Sardinian wine
Sardinian wine is one of the points of pride on the island. In every province and every region you go to, you will find a different wine. In Mamoiada, Barbagia region, you will find the best Cannonau Sardinian red wine. While in Cabras and the Sinis peninsula, taste the local Vernaccia. Sardinia has several wine trails.
While there are more than one great wine cellar and producer, many families make their own.
Whether you are a guest or on a solo trip to Sardinia, drink some Sardinian wine. Pair it with your food and let locals suggest the best ones.
Go surfing and catch big waves
Sardinia is very windy. The wind can hit both in summer and winter, with winter being much stronger. There are several beaches in Sardinia ideal for surfing. Some of these are Is Arenas and S’Archittu on the western coast (very strong currents here). Or Chia in the south, especially in Cala Cipolla, and Buggerru in the Sulcis. In western Costa Verde, don’t miss Piscinas.
One of the most famous beaches for surfing in Sardinia is Capo Mannu at 30 km from Oristano. Popular with surfers from all over Europe, here you have high waves, some 4 meters, due to the strong mistral wind. Recommended for advanced surfers due to the rocky sea bottom and strong currents
Eat Sardinian pastries and cakes
Seadas, pabassini, sospiri, zippole, fatti fritti, pasta violada, pardulas. Each season, different pastries. Each festival, different sweets. Some are made with almonds and finely decorated, others stuffed with cheese, fried, and covered with honey.
Whatever season you travel, one of the best things to do in Sardinia is to try some local sweets. But be careful, they are addictive.
Eat Sardinian cheese
If you are a fan of dairy products, you should absolutely try the many types of Sardinian cheeses. From Pecorino to casizzolu, from frue to salted and smoked ricotta. You will find so many flavors, textures and recipes that you will love it.
If, by any chance, you are offered rotten cheese, don’t feel insulted. Something you should know when traveling to Sardinia, this cheese, known as casu marzu or casu fattizzu, is a local delicacy!
See Italy’s oldest tree
You will find this wild olive tree in Luras, Olbia-Tempio province, in the area of Santu Baltolu di Carana near the Liscia lake. According to the official estimation of Sassari University, it’s 4000 years old, making him the oldest in Sardinia and Italy. And one of the oldest in Europe.
Apart from being gorgeous, this precious tree is also huge. 14 mt tall, the circumference of the trunk is 11.5 mt and the diameter of its crown is 21 meters.
In Sardinia, they call it the “patriarch” or S’Ozzastru (wild olive tree in the Sardinian language). All around there are also other old trees. Not far, for example, is another wild olive tree that is “only” 2000 years old. This is one of the most fascinating Sardinian places to see for nature lovers.
Discover Sardinia’s most beautiful traditional costumes
This, too, is seasonal. One of the best things to do in Sardinia on May, 1st, is to attend the Sant’Efisio festival in Cagliari. You will see a long parade with traditional costumes from all over the island. This festival is very popular and attracts foreign and local tourists, so it’s usually very crowded. You will love it.
If you are not in Sardinia in May, you can see the different costumes in Nuoro by visiting the fantastic Sardinian Ethnographic Museum, also known as Museo del Costume.
Visit Tharros ancient Phoenician city
It’s in the Sinis Peninsula and one of the most interesting Sardinia attractions in Oristano province. Founded by the Phoenicians between the 8th and 7th centuries BC, it offers wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea. Especially once you climb the Tower of San Giovanni.
The view and the large expanse of archaeological ruins make it one of the most interesting things to do in Sardinia whether you are a history buff or simply want to discover the history of the Italian island.
If you are into Phoenician history and ruins, visit also the important archaeological site of Nora close to Cagliari.
Plunge from the natural arch of S’Archittu
This is for the most adventurous. And also for experienced divers. This beautiful natural arch was dug by the water in the span of several centuries. Its clear waters hide a very rocky bed all around, so if you want to do the plunge, first make sure you check where you can actually land, also asking the locals.
You don’t feel the need to be so adventurous? No problem. You can have a fantastic swim under the arch and between the arch and the small white beach facing it.
This is one of the best beaches in Sardinia if you like quiet and secluded corners and prefer peaceful swimming and sunbathing to crowded tourist resorts.
Try the different types of Sardinian pasta
From the earring-shaped Lorighittas from Morgongiori to Su Filindeu from Nuoro, to Su Succu from Busachi, each village and province in Sardinia have its own pasta.
A particularly succulent type, so delicious on its own that doesn’t even need a rich sauce, is the Culurgiones from Dorgali, Nuoro province. Filled with potatoes and mint, the traditional way of making them is sewing them by hand.
Visit at least one of Sardinia’s grottoes
There are Neptune’s Grottoes near Alghero and Grotte del Bue Marino (of the Sea Ox) in Dorgali. Both sea caves and very famous, they offer their visitors stunning scenery right from the entrance: a forest of stalactites and stalagmites, pillars, and internal lakes.
There are also lesser-known caves that still deserve a visit. One is the Ispinigoli cave also near Dorgali, and one Is the Zuddas caves in Santadi, a wonderful underground route created by the constant water activity.
Discover Sardinia handicraft
All over the island, each village has a different handicraft. In Orgosolo, you will find beautiful homemade silk. In Ghilarza, there is a famous stone sculptor who keeps outdoors all his creations. All over the island, you can buy stunning filigree pieces of jewelry decorated with obsidian volcanic stone.
